The Ness Foundation research team has been working with a new concept in the diagnosis and potential treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular schizophrenia. This concept, based on what is now referred to as 'phospholipid spectrum disorder', is now receiving international recognition and strong public support. Phospholipid spectrum disorders describe a problem with the cell membrane, which may cause a breakdown in communication between brain cells. It may also alter how the brain develops and reacts to change throughout a person’s lifetime.

This radical concept is changing the way we think about treating psychiatric disorders. For the past 40 years, the dominant theme governing research into these disorders has related these conditions to neurotransmitter system abnormalities. As a consequence, therapeutic research has been directed towards finding agents that will in some way modulate these neurotransmitter systems at an appropriate step.

While this concept has successfully guided the development of a range of drugs for a variety of conditions, the level of efficacy achieved by these drugs strongly suggests that some other influence is involved. There is now a substantial body of evidence to suggest that this other influence is associated with phospholipids, the primary component of cell membranes, and the metabolic pathways in which they play a part. The phospholipid concept underpins the research portfolio of The Ness Foundation, along with a growing number of research groups  worldwide.

The Ness Foundation are currently investigating why patients with schizophrenia react abnormally to niacin, and are using this knowledge to develop a diagnostic test (the niacin patch test ).  The Foundation is also very active in using other non-invasive methods, e.g. breath analysis for diagnostic purposes, as well as looking into how n-3 fatty acids alter the way cells and the brain works .

The Ness Foundation believes that furthering the understanding of brain lipids is the key to the development of new solutions for not only schizophrenia, but also a range of neuro-developmental disorders. It is not intended that this research should displace more traditional psychiatric research but rather be complementary to it, in the hope that improved treatments can reach some of the most vulnerable groups in society.  We have formed a strategic partnership with the Scottish Society for Autism to conduct research into this illness, the incidence of which is rapidly increasing.
 
The Laboratory at Dochfour

In addition to diagnostic aids, The Ness Foundation has been involved in trials of new lipid based drugs which promise better and safer treatments.  We are working to develop new methods of treatment using our laboratory facilities here at Ness House.  In January 2002, The Ness Foundation succeeded in securing grants from both the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Millennium Commission to help further support this groundbreaking research work. This has enabled us to build our brand new laboratory and to recruit additional, highly skilled research personnel.

Over the coming years we intend to expand these capabilities to form a Centre for Lipid Studies in Psychiatry.  You can help us to to achieve this goal by making a donation to the Foundation.

Important - The disorders described on this website are serious conditions.  You should discuss with your doctor how the new advances in our understanding of what causes them relates to you.  Most importantly, the new treatments mentioned are experimental and you are advised to consult with your doctor before changing or starting any medication or treatment programme.